Former Sunderland boss Crosby thrilled to be named as Gateshead manager

Former Sunderland manager Malcolm Crosby is back in football management – being appointed as Gateshead’s new boss today.

The 60-year-old left his role as head of recruitment at Blackpool to join the Tynesiders, teaming up again with chairman Graham Wood, who was a director at Sunderland.

The former Aldershot and York City midfielder famously guided Sunderland to the 1992 FA Cup Final while in caretaker charge at Roker Park, remaining with the Black Cats until January 1993.

Crosby, who replaces Gary Mills at the Conference Premier club, said: “I’m very happy to become the new manager of Gateshead. The club has been successful in the last couple of years, and has come on a long way.

“I have a good relationship with Graham Wood, which can only help, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“I enjoyed my time here alongside Tommy Cassidy back in 1993 – it has changed since then, of course, but has always retained the air of a friendly club.

“The challenge ahead is a great one. It is a tough job, obviously, because there are a number of very competitive teams in the league.

“But, that’s the joy of football. I’m ambitious, and I believe I can bring success to this club.

“I have got to sit down with the chairman and talk about the squad. I do not want to make massive changes, because the players have done well as a group over the last couple of years.

“I’ll be looking to bring in an assistant within the next week.”

Chairman Graham Wood added: “I have known Malcolm for a long time, and I’m delighted that he’s agreed to come to Gateshead.

“He is a well-known and highly respected figure throughout football, as well as an excellent coach with a reputation for developing young players.

“He is fully familiar with teams and players at our level and above – in addition to all levels of the Scottish game.

“The work of assembling a squad for another promotion push will commence on Monday, when the manager will begin meeting with existing players.”